2012 v6 at DCSB engine knocking @ 1500 rpm

And, if you also don't mind...

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/L7XZ8QP

BTW there is presently no fix. (I do my regular TSB check in 2 weeks, but don't expect anything). Frankly, I doubt there ever will be a fix. They can't fix vibes, I strongly doubt they can (or want) to fix this.

 

Hi Toyota,

If you're reading this and want a test truck that used to ping like crazy, but doesn't ping anymore, pm me...it's for sale

87 octane too

/hijack

 

Hey......appreciate the info on the fix

 

Motor go boom?

 

He apparently slapped in a set of NGK iridium plugs (same heat range as the stock plugs) and it eliminated his ping. To date, in all my searching, emailing and reaching out, he's the only person I know of to successfully eliminate the pinging by swapping plugs.

I suspect if the problem was factory plugs, Toyota would have fixed the issue by now. I'm glad it worked for him, but it didn't for me. I also swapped in a set of the NGK iridium plugs, back in September or August, and I was pinging away. I pulled them back out (fun) and went back to OEM plugs so the dealer couldn't flip me any shit about them.

 

I try to either floor it or crank up the volume to NOT hearing these pings. I try the SAME gas on my RX350 and the Lexus runs just fine.

Toyota....fix this issue.

 

I just found/read this entire thread because I was just about to take my 2012 Double Cab 4x4 TRD in for service and bring up the very same clacking engine problem (started happening at 5 miles new). It seems there is no fix for the truck so I'll save my breath and start looking for another option.

My previous truck was a 2001 GMC 2500 that started clacking the exact same way at 60K miles (maintained to perfection). By 120K it was clacking every time I pushed the pedal, burning a quart of oil every 1000 miles, fouling spark plugs and throwing blow-by with every hard acceleration.

This problem WILL prematurely wear the engine. This sucks.

 

I posted what I did several pages back. 1 member tried to replicate it and it didn't work for him.

The only thing I've done to my truck is switch to iridium plugs and clean the MAF and throttle body. It used to ping consistently, and after I switched plugs it stopped.

I run 87 octane in every tank and it hasn't pinged in over 40k miles.

Nope, it is still running.

 

Cool idea! I definitely try this.

But, I do not think it's due to the spark being not hot enough. More likely the Iridiums run cooler so they are less likely to ignite the mixture like a glow plug.

I'm running the iridiums in my bimmer and they work great. Smooth as butter. Now to get some in the truck too. Thanks for the idea.

 

For the last 3 weeks I have used Premium gas (91) and the pings are GONE (about 5 tanks now). Premium is about $0.25 more expensive than 87 with E10 and $0.10 more expensive than Regular 87. Gas mileage didn't improve but at least the pings are gone.

 

Toyo8696,

What exact model plug did you use? Since there is some disagreement about whether this iridiums fixes it. It could be the exact plugs you used are the only ones that fixes it. I was about to order

$47 NGK LFR6AIX-11 - 6 PCSNEW

NGK LFR6AIX-11 Iridium IX Spark Plugs but I think I'll hold off until I see your response.

 

With a 10 to 1 compression ratio, this motor should not need more than mid grade gas.

 

I finally hit 30k miles and swap the plugs with a new set of oem Toyota ones and wow the truck feels better then brand new. I checked them for proper gap, I'm still on the 91 tank, I will go back to 87 to test if the Ping/knocking still happens

 

True. Too bad you can't find mid grade pure gas any more. I think the 10% ethanol is really the problem. I run non ethanol premium unless there is no other choice, and it works out to the same $ per mile. Try it yourself.

 

Follow up to my first post in this thread on 11/4, and one fill w/93. Have been running 93 since (~5/6 tanks). Still no signs of ping/noise/knock, whatever the hell it was. Have tried to create noise thru various situations (heavy accel, a/c running, not downshifting properly going up hill, etc). Nothing.

 

btw Obscuro...I did the survey

 

After reading all the posts, I'm still undecided as to what actually caused the problem. But here's my thoughts.

a. Yes, the gasoline is definitely inferior to what we had available to us just a few years ago. Regular and Premium are not the same quality.

b. Spark Plugs have been known to cause spark knock; but at his mileage; that doesn't seem like the case. Unless, there was a definite problem found on one or more plugs.

c. The Electronic Control Module should have adjusted spark advance; once the engine showed the spark knock to any of the sensors.

d. The owner's driving habits should not be a problem, the ECM should adjust to the conditions.

I'm betting there was a fuel issue. I don't know what blend you have where you live; but here in PA we are forced to use the ethanol blended gasolines. These fuel are causing all sorts of problems; particularly in small engines, such as chainsaws, boat motors, lawn mowers, etc. These types of engines are particularly sensitive to inferior fuel.

oldracer

 

In the Atlanta area some of the Valero gas stations have non-ethanol 90 octane gas you can get. Try it and see what happens.

 

Another update....
I have used 93 octane(assuming with ethanol mix) for past 8 months and have heard zero knocking. Under every condition and load the engine no longer knocks. I don't know if this is simply a bandaid or actual fix, but maybe I'll eventually forget that it happened and finally be comfortable driving my truck. I'm paying enough for it,I should at least enjoy it.

 

An update:
Took my Taco to the dealer with this issue and they could not duplicate it, but at least it's documented. I have noticed since it has gotten colder here in Va., the spark knock even with regular fuel is gone. I ran about 3 tanks of 93 octane then switched back to 87. After 2 tanks, no knock yet. I'm sure it will return, maybe with the summer blend next year? The mechanic told me one reason the engine is so noisy is because the manifold is made of plastic!
C'mon Man! Really?